International Masters Program in System Dynamics at the University of Bergen
Why study System Dynamics at UiB? In a complex and developing world, we need theories, methods, and tools to help us understand, manage, and communicate effectively. System dynamics studies how and why things change over time. System Dynamics is a tool for the development of a well-balanced set of policies to guide decision making that altogether contributes a successful strategy causing a favorable development over time. • Which policies cause the most favourable development over time? • How do we avoid shaping strategies, policies and decisions based on misperceptions? And how do we assess their consequences effectively before implementing them in our social context? • What is the wider impact of our decisions over a longer time span? To answer questions such as these, you are trained to develop simulation models that represent the cause-and-effect structure of the systems studied, to derive their dynamics by way of simulation, and to investigate the relationship between the two. We offer a vibrant, international student life focusing on the study of System Dynamics - a study available to very few students across the world. We use state-of-the-art learning technology and client-based case studies. Plus, as of 2020, we offer a fully online version of our master program.
Courses in System Dynamics System Dynamics Courses at UiB; First Year Autumn Semester First Year GEO SD 302: Fundamentals of Dynamic Social Systems GEO SD 303: Model-based Analysis & Policy Design GEO SD 304: System Dynamics Modeling Process
Spring Semester First Year GEO SD 308: Policy Design & Implementation (online) GEO SD 321: Model-based Socioeconomic Planning GEO SD 325: Client-based Modeling Project
For mode detailed information, visit https://www.uib.no/en/studies/MASV-SYSDY
Fundamentals of Dynamic Social Systems GEO SD 302
Learn the basics of the System Dynamics method! • • • •
recognize typical problem behaviours of dynamic systems formulate hypotheses for why problems develop represent those hypotheses in simulation models use the models to test your hypotheses.
At a more general level, the course gives training in applying the scientific method to socio-economic problems, it provides a common language for interdisciplinary research, and it gives training in project formulations and reporting. The reading material is presented in a MOOC where students are challenged while reading, in quizzes, and in interactive learning environments. Class sessions make use of the flipped classroom format where students answer questions, discuss with each other and engage with the instructor.
Model-based Analysis & Policy Design GEO SD 303
Understand the relationship between Structure & Behaviour ! • build, simulate and test models of social, natural and hybrid systems • analyze the structural causes of problem behavior • develop and evaluate policies aimed at addressing such problems. The course allows students to gain a deep understanding of the intimate relationship between structure and behaviour in complex, dynamic systems; how structure gives rise to behavior and how the resulting behaviour may feed back to change the relative significance of the structural components of the system. This enables the students to analyze problems and to develop and evaluate policies of their own choice.
System Dynamics Modeling Process GEO SD 304
Learn to use the System Dynamics Modelling Process! • define the dynamics of problems • develop hypotheses regarding the structure underlying problem behaviour • analyse and validate computer simulation models • design policies to improve systemic behaviour Students will apply and gain reinforcement of skills learned in the previous courses as they follow a structured process for modelling and simulation of dynamic problems in both social and natural systems. Emphasis is on the design of simulation models to explain problem behaviour in dynamic systems, and on the re-design of such models to represent the implementation of policies aimed at improving their behaviour. In addition to learning from the lectures and materials, students gain hands-on experience through in-class tasks, assignments, and an in-depth project.
Policy Design & Implementation GEO SD 308
Learn to Design Policies & Understand Implementation Challenges • Learn to use a structured method for policy design and evaluation • Gain experience of institutional and cultural constraints on policy feasibility and outcomes, including costs and benefits • Develop skills for interacting with those for whom the modelling work is done, including relevant organizational procedures and potential obstacles to implementing new policies improving the behaviour of social systems by designing feasible, cost-effective, and transparent public policies with minimal adverse unintended consequences. The focus is on public policies, but business policy design is also discussed and demonstrated.
Model-based Socioeconomic Planning GEO SD 321
Apply the SD method to the identification and solution of dynamic problems in socio-economic domains • Use SD-based models to study and manage complex, dynamic socioeconomic problems in developing countries • Use the planning models as an aid to identifying the structural origin of such problems and designing and evaluating policies for their alleviation • Gain knowledge about the significance of a robust strategy development (policy design and the resulting decision making) in national contexts Developing countries often struggle with long-lasting, comprehensive problems that seem immune to quick fixes. The model-based analysis extends to macroeconomic, social, and environmental issues. While the focus is on problems in developing countries, some of the model-based insights also apply to problems faced by industrialized countries.
Client-based Modeling GEO SD 325
Gain practical experience in modeling with and for a client • Work with organizations outside the University of Bergen (the clients) in an applied context and specific problems they are currently dealing with • Develop simulation models that help solve these problems • Learn how to present your findings to the clients From the problems that the client organizations present, students first need to distill those aspects that lend themselves to the system dynamics method and agree with the clients on relevant deliverables. Students then need to interact with the organizations to develop, calibrate and validate a simulation model and eventually present model findings in a way that is appealing to these organizations.
Second year of the program; Autumn semester
Model Based Interactive Learning Environments GEO SD 321
Learn how to develop, evaluate, and use Simulationbased Interactive Learning Environments to facilitate learning & exploration of Complex Systems
Writing course and project description GEO SD 310
Receive writing training and practical insight into the research process. Get support as you develop your research proposal for the Masters Thesis
Natural Resources Management GEO SD 330
Understand theories and principles underlying natural resources & develop skills and competencies needed for their proper management
Second year of the program; Spring semester
Master's Thesis in System Dynamics GEO SD 321
Practice and develop the skills necessary to do good system dynamics work & develop skills to manage and carry out a research project. Your final semester is spent writing your master’s thesis. The thesis is an independent scientific work that you write with the guidance and support of a supervisor. When you choose a topic for your thesis, you can develop one yourself or choose among available master’s thesis topics.
The Masters program in System Dynamics at UiB is a high-level, interdisciplinary educational program‌
Why study at UiB?
‌ but it is also a vibrant, multicultural community
Why study at UiB?
Here, we work together and learn from each other‌ Group Projects, Study Groups & the general interdisciplinary nature of the program bring passionate people together in exchanging knowledge & inspiring each other
‌we develop a strong passion for modeling‌ At Uib, we use the software Stella Architect for our System Dynamics models
But the only limit is our imagination! Sometimes we are modeling on cupboards, sometimes even on cakes!
‌we enjoy the amazing landscape of Bergen‌
Winter or Summer, the beauty of Bergen is only surpassed by the joy of sharing it with new friends
‌and each others company‌ We celebrate together, share both food and experiences, and develop strong relationships.
‌and we smile (a lot!)
Here, we are more than a sum of students; we are a community Each cohort of the Masters program has their own emblem!
Niaz Nipu; 2017-19 Cohort
Kris Temirkanova; 2019-21 Cohort
Simon Peter Muwafu; 2018-20 Cohort
What will be yours?
Welcome to the International Masters Program in System Dynamics at the University of Bergen